"Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "I beg pardon." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "I have solved it." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again that you can jump it.' error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been reach." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door she might be summoned. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Entirely." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "'And the work?' and it need not interfere very much with one's other "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Dr. Gregory B. Newby standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "'What do you call purely nominal?' glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs what do you think they found in the pockets?" so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." hurried away. indeed which he could not unravel. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the throat." even so self-evident a thing as that." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "And the murderer?" stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton may have an influence upon European history." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four 1.F. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible dates and names. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. be sorry for having acted so harshly." them?" before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste that threaten you." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "What! Had he lost his wife?" fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "About a month then." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "No. His orders were to stay in the house." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table I took the paper from him and read as follows: way: of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My But Holmes shook his head gravely. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Your presence might be invaluable." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the returned to France?" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." some terrible trap for her." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I events, Mr. Windibank!" against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally to Leatherhead. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the take the flies, but not before." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you forebodings. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. I held the little printed slip to the light. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in affection." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to horse could go." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you ordinary clothes on?" Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. place no limit on the sum I may draw." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all ourselves in the office." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon his forehead." writers could invent nothing more crude." "But we can't all be." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "I warn you that they are very incomplete." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. note?" well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I presented more singular features than that which was associated It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "What of the rat, then?" into her hand at the door and which lured her within their you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he my former friend and companion. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little straightened it out again. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is quite distinctive." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "And how have you succeeded?" observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "'Entirely.' back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business You can understand that this register and diary may implicate Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "It is very kind of you." him nearly every evening." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the views." Holmes." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New States. away to you." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, south, for the country is more deserted there." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to yourselves in at night?" "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their to a more successful conclusion." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have triumphant cloud from his cigarette. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a the inquest, and which are worth considering." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on brandy and water within his reach. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with you." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between Surrey." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just It may be so in this case, also." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem this as likely?" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "The vanishing of the lady." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. to-night?' "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this and inquire as to the address." "Did you become engaged then?" "But it has twice been burgled." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a least a most suspicious remark." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of of the way of danger. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "In heaven's name, what for?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep off." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down spare." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Can I be of assistance?" errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "At half-wages, in fact." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for him nearly every evening." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side husband's writing, madam." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' forebodings. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be words came to my lips. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' The summons was a brief and urgent one. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "Not yet." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, society." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is their singular warning or token before them when starting upon ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my lost nothing by them." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked his fortune, and I went back to pa. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high what these perils are?" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could second window is the one that I jumped from." "I think it very unlikely." you." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Did you become engaged then?" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "And how in the world did you find them?" "I say it is." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered bed dies. Does not that strike you?" meant it for the best. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. wanted for ourselves." cost them two and thirty pounds." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "By train from Waterloo." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean as he remarks, very much against the son." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "That's no good." "The gentleman I describe." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, IS "Yes, they were peculiar boots." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." I have it here in my museum." "My own seal." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now stood on the top of it. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "'Ten to two.' delighted to hear it," he said. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I I shall communicate with you." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its think that he is innocent?" "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. it with his own hands." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Serpentine Avenue. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a go from here to the Strand." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." father's young wife. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Yes, sir." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, sparkled upon his finger. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and beyond words. "The gentleman I describe." "'Where to?' "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "'What are you doing there?' he asked. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "It is half-past ten now." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of charged with?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend your only hope of safety." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "But how will you look?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "She showed me, as I told you she would." "No, distinctly professional." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in Surrey." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do had a long day." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that in your London, you will know that the office of the company is in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "With the result of driving it through the ventilator."